Karoline Leavitt is married to Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer from New Hampshire. The couple wed in January 2025, just days before Leavitt assumed her role as White House Press Secretary during Donald Trump’s second administration. In August 2026, Leavitt stepped down from her position, publicly thanking Riccio for his support throughout her tenure.
Here is a look at Riccio’s background and the couple’s relationship timeline.
Quick Facts
- Husband: Nicholas Riccio
- Profession: Real Estate Developer
- Marriage Date: January 2025
- Children: Two (A son named Nicholas, born July 2024, and a second child expected in 2026)
- Age Gap: 32 years
Who is Nicholas Riccio?
Nicholas Riccio is a successful real estate developer based in New Hampshire. While his wife spent years in the political spotlight, Riccio maintains a lower public profile. Leavitt has previously described her husband as “an introvert” and her personality “opposite”.
Relationship Timeline
Leavitt and Riccio met in 2022 during Leavitt’s first congressional campaign. A mutual friend who owned a restaurant invited Riccio to a campaign event, where the two were introduced. They remained friends for a period before they began dating.
The couple became engaged in December 2023. The following summer, in July 2024, they welcomed their first child, a son named Nicholas. Leavitt famously returned to work within a week of her son’s birth.
In January 2025, Leavitt and Riccio were married at a club venue in New Hampshire. Later that year, in December 2025, Leavitt announced she was pregnant with the couple’s second child, stating she was excited to be a “girl mom”.
The 32-Year Age Gap
The couple’s 32-year age difference frequently draws public and media attention. During a November 2025 appearance on the Pod Force One podcast, Leavitt, then 28, spoke candidly about her marriage to the 60-year-old Riccio.
When asked about the age difference, Leavitt acknowledged that it was “very unusual,” but emphasized the strength of their relationship.
“He is amazing,” Leavitt stated. “He’s just an amazing guy… an incredibly hands-on father”.
The age gap initially presented minor challenges with her family. Riccio is five years older than Leavitt’s mother and five years younger than her father. However, Leavitt noted that any initial friction quickly faded. She told interviewers that her husband deeply respects her parents and that they now share a “typical family relationship” and regularly spend time together.
Despite Leavitt’s public comfort with the dynamic, the couple regularly faces scrutiny on social media. Photos from their wedding, holidays, and a March 2026 baby shower have frequently prompted commentary from internet users remarking on Riccio’s older appearance next to his wife.
Leaving the White House
Balancing a young family and a high-profile political career eventually led to a career shift. On August 27, 2026, Leavitt marked her final day at the White House briefing room podium.
During an on-air interview with NewsNation on her last day, she expressed deep gratitude toward Riccio. She posed for final photos at the podium with him and their children, publicly thanking her husband for “giving up a lot” to allow her to serve as Press Secretary.
FAQs
Who is Karoline Leavitt married to?
Karoline Leavitt is married to Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer from New Hampshire. They met in 2022 and were married in January 2025.
What is the age difference between Karoline Leavitt and her husband?
Karoline Leavitt and Nicholas Riccio have a 32-year age gap.
How many children does Karoline Leavitt have?
Leavitt and her husband have a son named Nicholas, born in July 2024. In December 2025, Leavitt announced she was pregnant with the couple’s second child, a girl.
Source list
- The Independent: Karoline Leavitt thanks husband for ‘giving up a lot’ as she leaves, Accessed October 5, 2026
- The Express Tribune: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt discusses her 32-year age-gap marriage, Accessed October 5, 2026
- WHAS11: Karoline Leavitt announces she is pregnant with her second child, Accessed October 5, 2026
- Wikipedia: Karoline Leavitt, Accessed October 5, 2026
- The List: Karoline Leavitt & Husband Nicholas Riccio’s Lavish Wedding, Accessed October 5, 2026
- Glam: 6 Pics Of Karoline Leavitt & Her Much-Older Husband That Got People Talking, Accessed October 5, 2026